Alcohol Licenses
Revenue Division
Johns Creek, GA 30097
Alcohol Licenses / Permits
A Johns Creek establishment which distributes or sells alcoholic beverages, by the package or drink, must do so under an alcohol beverage license granted by the City.
The City’s application process for new establishments takes up to 60 days, from the date the completed application is received, to approve or deny the request. New businesses may qualify for a 60-day temporary license while their application is being processed. Refer to Revenue Fees and Taxes (PDF) to determine the fee amount. (Note that fees are prorated for a new business).
Licenses are valid for one year and are due for renewal by Nov. 15 each year. Existing license holders will receive a renewal application via email. Please contact our office at Revenue@johnscreekga.gov to provide us your updated email address.
Renewals received after Nov. 15 but before Dec. 15 are subject to a 10% late filing fee. Businesses failing to renew their license by Dec. 15 must reapply for a new license (at full fee). Contact Revenue at 678-512-3242 if you do not receive a renewal application via email by October 15.
Applicants must meet specific criteria before an application can be approved. Specific requirements are found in Chapter 6 of the City Code.
Employee Seller/Server Permit
All managers and restaurant staff who will dispense, sell, serve, take orders, mix alcoholic beverages are required to obtain an employee pouring permit along with taking an approved alcohol training program. All businesses are required to maintain detailed records of such training for a minimum of 36 months after training. Evidence of alcohol awareness training records shall be made available upon request for inspection by the City. Pouring permits must be renewed every two calendar years. Please view the pouring permit ordinance .
Excise Taxes
Alcohol sales and hotel/motel room rentals in Johns Creek incur an excise tax payable to the City.
Retail sales of alcoholic beverages by the drink:
The City levies a 3% excise tax on the purchase price of alcoholic beverages by the drink. This tax should be remitted with a Retail Excise Tax Return [link to PDF: tax-retail] on or before the 20th of each month, for the amount collected the preceding calendar month. A vendor’s credit is given for payments on or before the 20th.
Wholesale wine, malt beverages & distilled spirits:
The excise tax on the sale of wine, malt beverages and distilled spirits, at the wholesale level, should be remitted to the City with a Wholesale Excise Tax Return on or before the 10th of each month, for the amount collected the preceding calendar month.
Car Rental Excise Taxes
The City levies a 3% excise tax on the rent or lease of motor vehicles in the City of Johns Creek. This should be remitted with a Car Rental Excise Tax Return [link to PDF: car-rental] on or before the 20th of each month, for the amount collected the preceding calendar month.
Hotel / Motel Excise Taxes
The City levies a 7% excise tax on the rent of every guest room in a hotel, rooming or lodging house, inn, motel, motor hotel and court, cabin, public or private club, and tourist camp, which contain guest rooms regularly furnished for value to the public. This should be remitted with a Hotel/Motel Occupancy Excise Tax Return [link to PDF: tax-hotel] on or before the 20th of each month, for the amount collected the preceding calendar month.
Alcohol License / Permits / Tax Forms
Alcohol License FAQs
How do I apply for a new alcohol license in Johns Creek?
Prior to selling alcoholic beverages in the City of Johns Creek, new businesses or owners must apply for and obtain an alcohol license. To apply, you need to complete an Alcohol License application and submit it to the Revenue Division at City Hall. After meeting the application requirements and approval is granted by the Mayor and City Council, the City will issue the applicant a license authorizing the sale or distribution of alcoholic beverages in the City. All licensees are required to complete an approved alcohol awareness training class within 30 days of the issuance of their alcohol license.
How do I renew my alcohol license in Johns Creek?
Existing license holders will receive a renewal application in the mail, which is due by November 15 of each year. Renewal applications received between Nov. 15 and Dec. 15 are subject to a 10% late filing fee. Businesses failing to renew their license by Dec. 15 must reapply for a brand new license (at full fee). Contact Revenue by phone at 678-512-3200 or email Revenue if you have not received your renewal application by Oct. 15 or need additional information.
How do I apply for an Alcohol Pouring Permit?
Complete the Employee Pouring Permit application and submit it to the Revenue Division with a valid US Government issued picture ID, $30.00 payment and proof of completion of an approved alcohol awareness training class. The training class must be completed within 30 days of applying for the permit.
What forms of payment does the City accept?
Cash, check, cashier’s check, money order and credit card (MasterCard and Visa).